Republican top brass urges Akin to quit Senate race

Candidate's 'legitimate rape' remark earned him black sheep status

Missouri Congressman Todd Akin, seen here announcing his candidacy for U.S. Senate, has not been able to shake the controversy after suggesting pregnancy after rape is "really rare" in a KTVI interview earlier this month. (Jeff Roberson/Associated Press)

McCaskill seems happy to square off against Akin, calling the scandal an overreaction to "one word in one sentence on one day."

Akin's chances of defeating McCaskill may be difficult to quantify, but the impact his statement has had on his campaign is clear. He has apparently lost millions in campaign advertising money as well as the vocal support of his party.

For his part, Akin has insisted his determination is "not about [his] ego" but about the voters of Missouri, who chose him as their nominee. The St. Louis politician insists it's "not right for party bosses to override" the wishes of voters.

"I hadn't done anything morally or ethically wrong, as sometimes people in politics do," he said.